For the past 30 plus years Tim Burton has all at once been one of the most celebrated and most polarizing directors of our time. He’s made 18 films in his career that have been both inspiring and puzzling. One thing that has seemed to be unanimously agreed upon is that 1990’s Edward Scissorhands is one of, if not his very best motion picture. It boasts a rotten tomato critic rating of 89% (good for 2nd all time for Burton), was nominated for the AFI’s top 10 fantasy films list, and most importantly it marked the first collaboration between Tim Burton and actor Johnny Depp. Until this past Monday evening however, I had never seen it.
What’s it about?
Edward Scissorhands is the story of a young man/mad scientist creation that has lived the majority of his existence in solitude. That is until being found by a door to door saleswoman named Peg (played by Dianne Wiest) who brings him home to live with her family. Oh and he is dressed from head to toe in black leather, is pale skinned with scratches all over his face…due to the fact that he has scissors for hands. Classic. He is at first adored, then gradually misunderstood, and ultimately driven out of the community he’s brought into. All of this while falling in love with Peg’s teenage daughter Kim who is played by another Tim Burton staple Winona Ryder.
Why not till now?
As I said earlier Tim Burton is very polarizing. Though his visuals are undoubtedly stunning they can also be very off-putting. This goes equally if not more so for his characters and story arcs. An oft criticism of Burton’s films, especially recently, is that they seem to be more focused on style as opposed to substance. That for the most part is how I’ve felt about his movies. His dark, gothic style just had never really resonated with me. As a result I hadn’t given films of his, such as this one, a chance. I must say, I am so glad that my assumptions were dead wrong when it comes to Edward Scissorhands.
What did I like?
In all honesty there wasn’t much about this film that I didn’t absolutely love. I want to focus on just a couple components however that to me really set the film apart. First the visual presentation by Burton in this film is truly unique and impressive. From the loud colors of the houses in the neighborhood that contrast Edward’s appearance, to the artistic and picturesque framing of many of the shots…this film is truly beautiful and always interesting to look at.
Then there are the performances and the character of Edward. The acting in this movie is truly special. The earnestness of Dianne Wiest as a caring mother & caretaker to Edward, the arc of Winona Ryder from being off put to eventually loving Edward, Anthony Michael Hall stepping out of his traditional nerd role at the time into that of the villainous bully…all bring solid believable characters into this film. All however pale in comparison to Johnny Depp’s performance. Edward is a frightening character to look at. However he is also very gentle, kind, caring, and loving. All of that is apparent in Depp’s performance and it is done so with very few spoken words (only 169 spoken words by Depp in the entire film). There is a constant innocence in his eyes that makes those closest to him in the movie, and us as an audience, fall in love with him. From the beginning to the end of the movie it’s clear the one thing Edward wants more than anything is to be loved. When Peg happens upon him and initially wants to leave out of fear we hear Edward speak his first words, “Don’t go.” When its revealed that Edward has a talent for trimming all things with his hands…he only appears to get true joy and fulfillment out of it when he sees that it makes others happy. Then finally with his love for Kim. When they must part at the end of the movie and he finally hears the words “I love you” from her…its at that point, not after they kiss, that we see him reach a point of content. All of this is paired with a hauntingly gorgeous score by Danny Elfman. Elfman himself has said this score is his favorite of his and I have to agree. It truly sweeps you up in the beauty of the moments. I can’t think of a score of his that has moved me more.
What didn’t I like?
As I mentioned before many of Burton’s recent films seem more focused on style (or being weird/bizarre) as opposed to substance. Now don’t get me wrong, I have absolutely no issues with a movie being weird or bizarre, as long as it serves to enhance the story and characters around it…not detract from it. Thankfully for the most part that’s not what happens in this film. It’s a hard line to balance in a film about a guy with scissors for hands and for the most part Burton does it well. There are however, some times especially in the middle of the film where there are hints of unbalance. Particularly with the neighbor women who are shown to be nosy and altogether unpleasant people. There are times where it seems they get a little more focus than they deserve when I feel we as an audience would rather be getting to know Edward as much as possible.
Live up to they hype?
In a word…absolutely. As I said at the top many consider this to be one of if not Tim Burton’s best film. I now certainly understand why. From beginning to end this movie is breathtakingly beautiful. From the visuals, the music, the characters, and the story I just couldn’t believe how much this movie swept me off my feet. I’d say it’s without a doubt my favorite Burton film seen to date. If you are like me before this past Monday night and have never seen it I highly recommend you change that immediately.
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